Salaries are annual unless otherwise stated.
Salary and wage information for New Zealand professions is compiled regularly by analysis of New Zealand jobs advertised in major publications.
According to the New Zealand Dental Association there is a shortage of dentists in many provincial and rural areas of New Zealand. This occupation is, however, no longer on the New Zealand immediate skills shortage list.
Dentists must be registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
With three years’ experience dentists will typically earn from $75,000 to $100,000.
The majority of dentists work in private dental practices. Earnings can vary considerably depending on the location and size of the practice. Dentists are also employed by district health boards, the army and universities. Qualified dental officers working for a district health board typically have incomes ranging between $120,000 and $186,000.
For comparison, the average hourly wage in New Zealand for the quarter ending 31 March 2020 was $33.20 according to Statistics New Zealand.
This would give an annual average salary of around $65,600, working standard full-time hours (38 hours).
Dentist Salaries / Wages in 2020
| Dentist | Salary / Wage $ | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Dentist | 70,000 – 80,000 | Auckland |
| Experienced Dentist | 120,000 – 200,000 | North Shore, Auckland |
| Orthodontist | 110,000+ | Auckland |
| Experienced Dentist | 80,000 – 100,000 | Auckland |
| Graduate Dentist | 65,000 – 85,000 | Wellington |
| Experienced Dentist | 110,000+ | Christchurch |
| Dentist | 85,000+ | Christchurch |
| | ||
Looking for a new job?
Be sure to read our guide: Things you MUST do when writing a New Zealand CV/Resume to help boost your chances of getting a job interview.
I’m a dentist looking for a change of pace and a rewarding and challenging opportunity to use my considerable skills in the land of KIWI’s. I have over 30 years experience doing a vast array of dental procedures, I’m seeking a working retirement where my skills can be appreciated!